kristal
Kristal Moses, a recent graduate from Richmond’s Community High School, is on her way to UVA.
In Charlottesville, Kristal will study neuroscience. She plans to become a psychiatrist, a path she’s felt drawn to since her youth where, even as a young child, her parents noted Kristal’s gentle and thoughtful manner. She’s always been introspective, compassionate, and deeply curious about people.
“I love talking to folks who are different from me. It’s not about debating them, but listening. Most people want the same things. We just don’t always know how to say it.”
Kristal’s interest in matters of the mind began with her father, a Vietnam veteran who lived with PTSD during a time when few understood it. “There was so much stigma surrounding the returning Vietnam War vets. But psychiatrists helped him. And when my father told me about the validation they gave him, everything changed right there for me.”
What moves Kristal is the desire to help others in transformative ways that can actually be seen. “The kind of help people get from a psychiatrist can be seen. They actually improve their lives, the same kind of progress my father made. To watch people get better, right in front of you. That will be meaningful.”
Of all her extracurriculars, one episode stands out: “During spring break, our Environmental Club went to Arizona to volunteer with the Apache Native Americans.” In Arizona, Kristal helped build and tend community gardens and beautify the area. Like her affinity for psychiatry, she was able to see the results; the experience deepened her commitment to community, care, and providing tangible help.
What does she want from life? “To enjoy it. Spread love. Share love. Be vulnerable. Be human, even if that sounds corny.” When self-doubt rises, Kristal leans on the many people rooting for her, her family and community. She keeps going because “I don’t want to give up on myself when they haven’t.”
Receiving a Pedestal Scholarship wasn’t just a surprise and an honor, but a serious financial boost for Kristal and her family. Being a named Pedestal Scholar meant that Kristal Moses was able to receive the kind of help she wants to bring to others, the kind that’s real and significant.